Grilli struck out 90 batters and posted a 2.91 ERA in 58 and two-thirds innings as the Pirates setup man last season, so he seems ready to handle ninth inning duties. If he falters, Pirates’ new acquisition Mark Melancon — a year removed from a 2.78 ERA and 20 saves with the Astros — could theoretically step in.

Grilli was 31 and a .500 pitcher with 4.31 ERA for Detroit when they traded him in 2008. He had zero saves to that point in his career and has added a staggering total of 5 since then. I’ll grant you his last two years have been far superior to his career numbers, but it’s hardly like they traded the second coming of Mariano Rivera. As it is he’s closer by default while they try and straighten out Melancon’s stuff. He’ll be fine, but it’s far from some karmic backhand to the Tigers for trading him away.